Breadcrumb navigation:

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. (4-25-13)—Boston College has named Barbara Jones, the vice president of the division of student affairs at Miami University of Ohio, as its new vice president for student affairs, effective July 1.

Barbara Jones

Jones brings extensive experience and a reputation as a nationally respected student affairs leader to Boston College. Prior to assuming her role at Miami University in 2008, Jones served as assistant chancellor for student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, associate vice president for student affairs at Ball State University, and as director of student activities and organizations at Minnesota State University-Mankato. She also served as president of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) from 2006-2007, and as a member of the National Task Force on the Future of Student Affairs from 2008-2010.

While at Miami University, Jones was credited with improving outreach to students by creating an initiative to improve academic success and expand student internship opportunities. Jones also helped to enhance staff development through a targeted series of professional development programs that focused on student retention, academic success, program assessment and alcohol education, and to foster a culture of assessment by introducing both learning and program outcomes and data-driven decision making.

University President William P. Leahy, SJ, described Jones as an experienced professional with a proven track record in managing student affairs. “Dr. Jones brings to Boston College tremendous experience in higher education, particularly in the area of student affairs,” said Fr. Leahy. “She understands BC’s mission, and I am convinced that that she will contribute in many ways to campus life and to achieving our student formation goals.”

Executive Vice President Patrick Keating, who will oversee Jones in her new role, offered a similar assessment. “Barbara’s combination of education, senior-level experience in student affairs, and commitment to our mission makes her an ideal choice to be the vice president for student affairs at Boston College,” said Keating. “Her career has been dedicated to the development and formation of students. She will be a tremendous contributor and member of the BC family.”

Jones said she was delighted to accept the offer to join Boston College and looked forward to beginning her new role this summer. “The people I have met at Boston College have a genuine commitment to students and to student development,” said Jones. “BC offers unique opportunities to live out that commitment and to help students to grow, develop and experience formation while they are with us. That is what I look forward to most.”

Jones said she welcomed the opportunity to work at a Jesuit, Catholic university and to help integrate the University’s distinctive mission in the Student Affairs division’s outreach to students. “Coming to Boston College gives me an opportunity to expose myself to a greater depth of thinking about issues and to reflect on them through a values-based process,” said Jones. “I look forward to working in a collaborative way with students, faculty and staff all across the University.”